New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism for a delayed response to an incident on the Upper West Side described by officials as an antisemitic stabbing. While other state officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, issued swift condemnations, Mamdani initially posted about his administration's new housing tax initiative.
Authorities reported that a 57-year-old man was attacked near West 84th Street and Central Park West shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time, sustaining a stab wound to his back. A second man, 50 years old, was found nearby with a stab wound to his torso. Both victims were conscious and alert and taken to local hospitals in stable condition. Witness and victim statements indicated the perpetrator yelled "Allahu Akbar" during the assaults.
The New York City Police Department announced the arrest of Raul Morales in connection with both assaults. Police have not yet officially identified a motive or confirmed if the attacks are being investigated as a hate crime.
Governor Hochul posted to X, formerly Twitter, expressing dismay at the incident. "Disgusted by what appears to be another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they’re Jewish," she wrote. "The fear in the Jewish community is real. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, regardless of their faith or identity."
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin also condemned the violence, stating, "While we await additional details to be confirmed, we know that what is happening in our city is abhorrent." Councilwoman Inna Vernikov pointedly criticized Mayor Mamdani, writing, "According to credible reports I received, the attacker was yelling ‘Allahu Akbar’ during his attempted murder. I pray for the speedy recovery of the victims. [Mamdani,] you got blood on your hands."
Mayor Mamdani released a statement addressing the incident several hours after it occurred. "I have been briefed on today’s horrifying stabbings on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked," his statement read. "According to witness and victim statements, the perpetrator yelled 'Allahu Akbar' during both attacks. I am relieved that both victims are in stable condition. The NYPD responded immediately and arrested Raul Morales in connection with both assaults—and I am grateful to the officers for their swift response."
Meanwhile, at 3:55 p.m., Mamdani had posted on social media about his administration's "pied-à-terre" tax for owners of second homes valued at over $5 million. "If you have a second home in New York City worth more than $5M, check your mailbox when you’re back in the five boroughs — because you've got mail. Today, we sent notification letters to property owners, letting them know that our new pied-à-terre tax is coming soon," the post stated.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., was among those who criticized the mayor's initial silence, calling it "pathetic" for not explicitly condemning radical Islam. The delayed response from Mamdani has fueled concerns among some observers, linking it to his critical stances on Israel and progressive views, which they suggest may contribute to hesitation in supporting Jewish communities.
According to NYPD data, the city has seen an uptick in hate crime complaints, with 146 complaints and 71 arrests in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 137 complaints and 51 arrests in the same period of 2025. Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding any factors that may have contributed to the delay in his public statement.